Redesigned Packers offense means more studying for Rodgers

GREEN BAY – Aaron Rodgers knows better than to argue with his coach, especially through the media. So why fight it when Mike McCarthy says this offseason is Rodgers’ “best spring if I sat back and tried to rank them. I’ll probably say the same thing next year.”

“If Mike says it, I’ll take it,” said Rodgers.

The quarterback is getting ready for his tenth season in Green Bay. You might think drill work on a muggy day at Ray Nitschke Field would be boring for the veteran, but that’s not the case this year.

“We’ve done some things within the system this year that are new for him, whether it be terminology or actual scheme,” said Packers quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. “It’s been a challenging spring for him.”

Those changes, according to McCarthy, are designed to make things a little easier for new players on offense.

“The biggest change was for Aaron,” said McCarthy. “It was the best thing for the group. He had a little more studying to do this year than in prior years.”

Rodgers says this time of year is crucial, though he places emphasis outside the time he spends with his nose in a playbook.

“Trying to work on your timing in the spring, you get yourself and your offense ready for training camp,” said Rodgers. “That’s when the team really takes the physical shape you’ll see during the season.”

The Packers 3-day mandatory minicamp continues through Thursday. Thursday’s practice at 11:30am is open to the public, weather-permitting.